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Newcastle could still complete a deal for Santos, work permit pending, however it’s then unlikely that he would be available for the opening game against Tottenham.

The Premier League rules state: “If a player does not meet the automatic criteria set out, an applicant club can request that an Exceptions Panel consider the player’s experience and value in order to determine whether a Governing Body Endorsement should nevertheless be granted.”

In order for Newcastle to get Premier League backing, they also need to prove that he is rated highly enough to take a spot that a homegrown player could have.

And the Newcastle Chronicle believe this could be difficult as Santos is not expected to be first choice.

Newcastle transfer news: Rafa Benitez is on the hunt for a centre-back (Image: GETTY)

Marlon Santos could join Newcastle on a loan deal (Image: GETTY)

This issue could add to Benitez’s frustrations with the Spaniard voicing his concerns over Newcastle’s transfer business and the ownership of Mike Ashley.

But Newcastle legend Alan Shearer believes the former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager will stay at the club.

“Rafa is obviously angry because he was promised he would be given all the funds that were generated to spend on the team and that hasn’t happened,” Shearer told talkSPORT.

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“They work all week in Newcastle to spend their money and have a good time at the weekend. A good time is going to St James’s Park and seeing their team and being loyal and being supportive and having hope but they haven’t had that.

“They have a top manager and that will give me hope that they can avoid relegation this year. To finish tenth last year was incredible.

“I do think Rafa will stick around because I think he lives in hope that someone will buy the football club.

“He realises the potential there. There are 52,000 fans at the stadium who care for that club. If nothing changes at the end of the season then I’m sure he will go.”

Newcastle transfer news: Possible Magpies XI after deadline day

Sun, August 5, 2018

Newcastle have endured another frustrating transfer window this summer – but how could they line up after deadline day?